Western Province coach John Dobson has named two debutants in the match 23 for their Currie Cup opener against Griquas in Kimberley on Friday.

Flank Chris Cloete, who plays for Hamiltons, and hooker Charlie van Jaarsveld from Sir Lowrians rugby club, will make their Currie Cup debuts via the bench on Saturday. 

Juan de Jongh will lead the side and will be partnered by Jaco Taute in midfield. In the back three, Cheslin Kolbe starts at fullback with Dillyn Leyds and Seabelo Senatla on the wings. Dobson has opted to go with Demetri Catrakilis and Nic Groom as his halfbacks.

In the pack, Wilco Louw is joined in the front row by Oli Kebble at loosehead and Bongi Mbonambi at hooker; the loose trio consists of Nizaam Carr, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Rynhardt Elstadt; with Ruan Botha and Jean Kleyn as the locks. 

On the bench, former Vodacom Bulls scrumhalf Jano Vermaak will make his first appearance for WP, with Kurt Coleman, Johnny Kotzé and Alistair Vermaak the other familar faces in the match-day squad.

Western Province – 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Juan de Jongh (c), 12 Jaco Taute, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Oli Kebble.
Subs: 16 Marius Fourie, 17 Alistair Vermaak, 18 Chris van Zyl, 19 Chris Cloete, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Kurt Coleman, 22 Johnny Kotzé, 23 Charlie van Jaarsveld.

Photo:Carl Fourie/Gallo Images